Study Abroad Programs
Take your academic career abroad! Gain school credit, immerse in a new culture, and push yourself out of your comfort zone.
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This Month’s Recommended Study Abroad Programs
AIFS Abroad
Traveling and seeing the world doesn’t necessarily mean taking a break from your studies. Study abroad with AIFS and broaden your academic knowledge while learning about foreign cultures!Serving more than 1.5 million students since 1964, AIFS is a reco...
WorldStrides
Spend a semester in Switzerland, where stunning Alpine scenery, sparkling lakes, and an international atmosphere create the perfect setting for academic discovery. Study at the University of Geneva, one of Europe’s leading research institutions, and jo...
University Studies Abroad Consortium
The colorful, vibrant country of Thailand is considered the "land of smiles," and for good reason: the friendliness and hospitality of the Thai people, 95 percent of whom are Buddhist, will enrich your experience living there. Khon Kaen is located in t...
Expanish
Spend your summer studying in Barcelona, one of Europe’s most exciting and culturally rich cities. The Expanish Summer Program allows students to earn academic credit while exploring Spanish and Catalan culture through engaging coursework and cultural ...
Seamester Study Abroad at Sea
Seamester is the educational adventure of a lifetime! For more than 40 years, we have offered unparalleled educational voyages where students spend a semester at sea sailing between islands, countries, and even continents. We design our programs to pro...
Go Abroad China Ltd.
Join Go Abroad China's University Chinese Language Program to master Mandarin at China's most prestigious institutions, including Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU), Peking University, and Fudan University. Designed for all proficiency leve...
SAI Programs
Paris College of Art (PCA) is a premier art and design school rooted in the rich artistic landscape of Paris. For over 30 years, the school has offered visiting and degree seeking students the opportunity to engage with the Parisian art scene while dev...
Centro MundoLengua
Want to live abroad in Spain and gain official university credits in your desired field of study while enjoying an authentic Spanish immersion experience? Come and study with Centro MundoLengua! We are a dedicated Spanish center that has signed agreeme...
How to Study Abroad
Types
Types of Study Abroad Programs
There are three common types of study abroad programs:
- Direct enrollment. This program allows you to study abroad in an international university, often alongside local students. Your course choices may be limited to classes in English, classes for international students, or classes designed for study abroad students, such as language and area studies. In some cases, you might be able to choose any courses offered at the university. These programs are ideal for any student and are usually the desired choice for upperclassmen who need classes in their major.
- Provider or University Program. The second type of study abroad program is one designed entirely by a study abroad provider or a university for international study abroad students. While there may be less interaction with local students, the curriculum may be ideally suited for you and other international students. You may also study alongside peers from around the world. These programs may last a week, a summer, a semester, or a year.
- Customized Program. The final type of study abroad is the customized program, or often referred to as the faculty-led program. This is a study abroad opportunity designed specifically for a group of students from one university and may or may not be hosted by an international university. This might include a research project in the field with other students and researchers, or it may be as simple as a trip organized by your professor visiting key destinations in his/her course.
There are other types of study abroad opportunities, including service learning for university credit, internships abroad for academic credit, non-credit study abroad, including language school learning, or study programs abroad, excluding any credit. You might also consider an exchange program, which is typically a reciprocal agreement between your home university and another university, allowing students to swap places and pay their home tuition and fees.
Why
Why Study Abroad
The majority of students who study abroad report it to be their most significant learning experience during the university program. Students also often report studying abroad as a life-changing experience. It is one of the activities that will help you perform better overall at university, engage more with your classmates and faculty, and improve your communication skills and academic performance. There are dozens of convincing reasons you should consider studying abroad.
Whether or not you study abroad for credit and how you utilize that credit is up to you. For many students, this may be the most important question. Ask yourself important questions to decide why studying abroad might be a great choice for you. Do you want to satisfy some degree requirements? Check off some general studies or core requirements? Do you need a foreign language proficiency for your major? Do you feel like some parts of the world may be better settings for courses in your major?
You might start by making a checklist of your goals in study abroad. If your number one goal is to see Angkor Wat, any program to Cambodia might satisfy your goal. If your primary goal is to take Advanced Nuclear Physics, you need to find a program that offers this class, teaches in English, and allows international students to enroll in advanced courses in Nuclear Physics. If language acquisition is your goal, be sure the study abroad program offers language classes for foreign speakers and that they offer these classes at all levels.
Benefits
Benefits of Studying Abroad
There are countless benefits to studying abroad—broadened horizons, new perspectives, and marketable skills! If you’re interested in a career in international sectors or in the humanities, then studying abroad is a no-brainer. Your cross-cultural communication skills will improve tenfold, and you’ll have the opportunity to study a new language as well. But even if your long-term career goals aren’t internationally-oriented, you’ll still come away from study abroad as a more well-rounded person with cool stories to tell, having learned more than a few new things about yourself in the process.
You know all this, the real benefit will be the internal rewards you get from this experience. You will have memories that last a lifetime, you may make friends who you will be close to for the rest of your life, and you will look at the world through a new set of eyes. The transformation is so profound that students occasionally change their major, decide a career choice and perhaps modify their entire life plan after studying abroad.
There are many more benefits of studying abroad you've never even thought of, too.
Funding
Study Abroad Scholarships & Funding
Many students need financial help in order to study abroad. If you’re studying abroad and you expect to earn credits, federal financial aid may help cover the costs. Each university has its own policies, but most US universities will allow you to utilize federal financial aid as long as your credits are pre-approved and you enroll in the minimum number of classes to remain full-time (typically 12 credit hours during the semester and 6-9 credits in the summer. The best way to be sure is to consult your financial aid advisor, meet with your study abroad office, and talk to your academic advisor to be sure your credits will count. Institutional aid or scholarships from your home university have varied policies regarding their application to study abroad. Often, institutional aid is simply a discount and may not be used for study abroad. Other schools support study abroad and are willing to subsidize the experience by allowing your aid to be utilized.
If you don’t receive financial aid, or if you’re studying through a university or provider where you can’t apply your typical aid, then you may need to rely on study abroad scholarships, study abroad loans, or crowdfunding platforms like FundMyTravel. Your study abroad department will also be a great lead on where to find study abroad scholarships and how to qualify. If you get creative, there are many other ways of paying for study abroad.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is study abroad?
To put it simply, study abroad is a set time (perhaps a semester or year) when you pursue your academics overseas. This can be through a program at your home university, or it can be through an independent study abroad company in coordination with your university or degree program. Although studying abroad is typically done during college, you can try it out in high school too!
Can I study abroad?
You absolutely can study abroad! There may be a few requirements through your university, degree program, or study abroad provider though. For instance, some universities don’t allow you to study abroad with a GPA under 3.0. You’ll also need to consider your academic goals and how studying abroad fits in. For instance, are you an accounting major? You can still study abroad of course, but it may be a bit more difficult for you to find an opportunity in your degree track. Be sure to speak with your study abroad department or academic advisor to figure out the best move for you.
How long is study abroad?
Your study abroad program could be as short as two weeks, and as long as a full academic year. It could be during any season, and during any year of your academic career. How long your study abroad program lasts is up to you and your goals! Do you want to come home fluent in a second language? Then maybe a full academic year abroad is the right choice for you. Do you want to take fun electives or knock out a few additional credits outside the regular school year? Consider studying abroad for a couple months during the summer. Your study abroad department, academic advisor, and program coordinator will be able to help you decide.
And by the way, if you’re interested in earning your full degree abroad, there are lots of options!
What are some benefits of studying abroad?
There are countless benefits to studying abroad—broadened horizons, new perspectives, and marketable skills, just to name a few! If you’re interested in a career in international sectors or in the humanities, then studying abroad is a no brainer. Your cross cultural communication skills will improve tenfold, and you’ll have the opportunity to study a new language as well. But even if your long term career goals aren’t internationally-oriented, you’ll still come away from study abroad as a more well-rounded person with cool stories to tell, having had learned more than a few new things about yourself in the process.
How to get scholarships to study abroad
Most students need financial help in order to study abroad. If you’re studying abroad through your home university, the financial aid and scholarships you normally receive each semester will most likely cover at least part of the tuition. However, you’ll want to check with your financial aid office about the specifics.
If you don’t receive financial aid, or if you’re studying through a university or provider where you can’t apply your typical aid, then you may need to rely on study abroad scholarships, study abroad loans, or crowdfunding platforms like FundMyTravel.
Your study abroad department will be a great lead on where to find study abroad scholarships and how to qualify. We’ve also put together the resources below to help you learn more about finding and securing funding for your study abroad experience.
What are the best study abroad programs like?
With so many study abroad programs available to you, how can you be sure which one is the one? To find the study abroad program that will suit you best, you’ll need to narrow down your goals. What do you want to learn? What do you want to see? Who do you want to be after studying abroad? Do you want 24/7 on-site support, pre-departure assistance, and resume writing help? And what are your absolute dealbreakers? Once you have your answers, it’ll be easy to find the best study abroad programs for you.
Latest Program Reviews
Discovering the Ocean: My Broadreach Curaçao Experience
October 25, 2026by: Noah Shemenski - United StatesProgram: Curaçao: Marine Biology Adventure
My Broadreach Curaçao trip was an unforgettable experience! I got to explore incredible coral reefs, learn more about marine biology, and experience the beauty of the ocean firsthand. The trip helped me grow my passion for marine science while making amazing memories and meeting great people. I would highly recommend Broadreach to anyone who loves the ocean and wants a unique, hands-on learning experience!
The best week of my life
October 24, 2026by: McKenzie Scudder - United StatesTruly wish experience was so amazing and it wouldn't have been without the help from the TherapyAbroad team they truly became like family to us and we all cried leaving them and saying goodbye at the airport. I cannot describe in words how meaningful this trip went to me, I will remember it forever.
LTL Chengdu-- a Great Experience
October 24, 2026by: Philip Calvert - CanadaI'd highly recommend LTL Chengdu for a Mandarin learning experience. I had three weeks of one-on-one learning at the intermediate level with teacher Guo Xinyue, and she was excellent. I learned a lot, and we also managed to have great conversations aabout society,history, social issues, families and so on, turning these conversations into opportunities to learn more vocabulary. The school is well-run, with a friendly atmosphere, and Chengdu is a very pleasant city, especially in October.
One of the coolest experiences of my life!
October 24, 2026by: Hailey Kirchgassner - United StatesI had an incredible time with this experience. I learned so much about therapy in another part of the world and about the Thai culture. It helped me to see from another perspective that will contribute to how I am as a future OT practitioner. The foundations we were at were very supportive of our learning, allowing us to think outside the box and feel like real OTs. I also think the cultural experiences (especially the elephant encounter) were extremely meaningful to being fully immersed in the culture and created memories that I will never forget.
An Unforgettable Experience
October 24, 2026by: Katelyn Hummel - United StatesGetting to see multiple parts of Thailand was incredible, from the clinical site to the elephant sanctuary to the adaptive rock climbing. I loved getting to see more of the country than just the square.
I am in my second term of Pre Med now, and I am very happy with my studies at NAU
October 23, 2026by: Mustafa Aman - United KingdomAt 19, I am still at the beginning of my academic journey, but I already have a clear ambition to become a doctor. I see Pre-Med as an important first step towards that goal, as I got inspired to start it by my older sister. I am glad to have the opportunity to prepare academically before progressing further, and I want to use this time to develop the discipline and knowledge required for medical school.
the programme combines a lot of things that i really like
October 23, 2026by: Hafsa Aman - United Kingdomi like that the md programme at nau combines scientific subjects with practical learning activities. i think its important to understand the theory behind medicine and also have opportunities to see how that knowledge can be applied in practice. im still in my first year, but im looking forward to developing my skills further as i progress through the programme. so far im happy with my choice and enjoying my experience at nau
my Shanghai holiday
October 23, 2026by: donald maylotte - United StatesProgram: Chinese Programs in Shanghai&Suzhou with Silk Mandarin
I am delighted to share with you my very positive impression of the quality ad professionalism of the teachers and staff here at Silk Mandarin. I took a two week course of intensive Chinese and, although i found the language very difficult the patience and good humour of the teachers have made it a very enjoyable and rewarding experience. I especially like to recommend to my readers my teacher ( laoshi) Evelyn who shepharded me through the awful pronunciation stages of my early online weeks and had enormous patience with by horrible short term memory.
Beijing always
October 23, 2026by: Jess E - GermanyI chose Beijing as my mandarin studying location which was one of the best decisions I made! Not justbecause of the transportation for every day courses and activities. Also, this city is very friendly to all kinds of foreigners no matter how fluently Mandarin you can speak with them or just gestures haha! Great arrangement for my classes where I studied new words, practice oral dialogues, or even chat with teacher to know local life’s…
Beijing always
October 23, 2026by: Jess E - GermanyI chose Beijing as my mandarin studying location which was one of the best decisions I made! Not justbecause of the transportation for every day courses and activities. Also, this city is very friendly to all kinds of foreigners no matter how fluently Mandarin you can speak with them or just gestures haha! Great arrangement for my classes where I studied new words, practice oral dialogues, or even chat with teacher to know local life’s…
意义非凡
October 23, 2026by: 罗伯特 马 - Italy总之，这一个半月在北京的学习对我意义非凡。这段经历让我受益匪浅，我的汉语口语进步很大，所以我很高兴能在北京遇到老师，也很高兴能在这里认识你们。我过得很开心，真的很满足。学校和老师们都很棒。衷心感谢大家。总之，这一个半月在北京的学习对我意义非凡。这段经历让我受益匪浅，我的汉语口语进步很大，所以我很高兴能在北京遇到老师，也很高兴能在这里认识你们。我过得很开心，真的很满足。学校和老师们都很棒。衷心感谢大家。
Great learning environment
October 22, 2026by: Alexander Benavides - MexicoProgram: Online Chinese Learning 1-on-1 - Schönberg Education
I had a great time in wuxi, the teachers were extremely helpful, giving us lots of opportunities to practice our speaking. All the staff were very helpful, and responded quickly to my requests. Would definitely recommend!
Hi Alex, we're happy to hear you had a great experience with us, Keep shining. 😊
Rapid Progress in Mandarin and Great Cultural Exposure
October 22, 2026by: Pericles Menezes - United KingdomAs someone who needed to improve their business Chinese for career purposes, finding the right language program was crucial. This school proved to be the ideal choice. I spent six weeks here taking 1-on-1 private lessons. My instructor customized the curriculum specifically around professional vocabulary, negotiation phrases, and contemporary economic topics relevant to my field.
Thanks for your kind words, Pericles! It means a lot to us that you'd recommend our school to others. We're delighted you're enjoying your experience with us! Please keep up your great work. 😊
Best Experience Ever
October 22, 2026by: Kyle Miller - United StatesI was unsure about traveling to Thailand at first. By the end of our first day, I was sure that this was going to be an amazing trip. By the end of the trip, I was overwhelmed with excitement by the amount of memories made and experiences had.
Xiatian is the best teacher
October 22, 2026by: Rahel K - SwitzerlandXiatan is our fav teacher. The class is much fun and we not only learn about language but also culture etc. And things about China. We interact and discuss a lot and also learn new vocabulary every day!!!
big recommendation
October 22, 2026by: Anna L - GermanyI had such a wonderful experience at the LTL language school! I spent two weeks learning Mandarin, with group classes in the morning with Summer and private lessons with Alice afterwards. Summer and Alice were both amazing teachers, very kind, patient and encouraging. Summer made the group classes engaging and fun, while Alice always adapted the private lessons perfectly to my level and had a great way of explaining things and making them easy to understand. Both created such a warm and positive atmosphere. I learned so much in only two weeks and genuinely looked forward to class every day. Highly recommend this school to anyone wanting to learn Mandarin!
The Best Experience of College
October 22, 2026by: Benjamin Danlasky - United StatesStudying abroad in London was the best experience of my undergraduate education so far. Studying abroad was something that I never expected and it felt like fate when I found out that my major (Criminal Justice) was hosting a program in London with CEA Capa. Throughout my time in London, CEA Capa made the experiece extremely rewarding and memorable. From the excursions, shows, education, and travel advice, CEA Capa supported the entire program and did so extremely effortlessly. Being in London was my first time out of the country and I was so confident that I would be safe, know where to go, and what to do if something went wrong because the team was so helpful. CEA Capa has my highest recommendation and I wish everyday that I could go back to being abroad in London.
I had an unforgettable experience!
October 22, 2026by: Zohreh Barger - United StatesI chose AIFS Abroad because I wanted to step outside my comfort zone and experience a new culture through a program that offered support before, during, and after going abroad. I participated in the Barcelona Maymester program in summer 2026, and it was an experience I will always be grateful for. The pre-departure process was stress-free, which made preparing to study abroad feel much less overwhelming. Once in Barcelona, I loved exploring the city, trying new foods, going on excursions, and experiencing everyday life in a new culture. One of the most meaningful parts of my experience was learning to navigate a new city independently, as well as making lasting friendships with the people around me. I got to live in an apartment in the coolest part of the city all while living with my best friends. I was so grateful to be able to go to classes and become so independent in an unfamiliar city. I would recommend AIFS Abroad to anyone looking to experience a new culture, make lasting memories, meet new people, and grow both personally and professionally.
Such a dream come true!
October 22, 2026by: Pooja Periapattanam - United StatesI had an amazing experience studying abroad in Barcelona! I made tons of new friends and got to do all sorts of amazing activities like visit the Sagrada Familia, watch a game in Camp Nou, eat tapas and so much more! I highly recommend doing this program because you get so much out of it.
The Experience of a Lifetime
October 22, 2026by: Madelyn Riordan - United StatesI cannot be more thankful for Pann, Pui, and Amber and their guidance throughout our trip. They really made this experience for me. The entire program program was flexible and adaptable to changes, very kind and welcoming, provided plenty of cultural experiences, and also very helpful as far as translation and providing cultural insight. I'll cherish it forever. Thank you!
Latest Interviews
Arseniy Ovchinnikov
The Academy of Tourism Antalya
I was inspired to go abroad because I wanted to gain international experience, improve my English, and learn from professionals in the hospitality ind...
Anastasiya Vinogradova
The Academy of Tourism Antalya
Growing up, I lived in Thailand and practiced tennis, so travel and new cultures always felt natural to me.
Maria Huerta
European Centre for Career Education
What inspired me to go abroad was not just curiosity, but the need to understand the systems that shape people's lives beyond borders.
Andrew Messersmith
College Year in Athens
What inspired me to go abroad was all of the different opportunities that my university provides. I believe that spending a semester abroad can be an ...
Jonathan Ulicny
CES Maastricht
I was inspired to travel abroad because of my commitment to learning more about international cultures and interacting with individuals across Europe....
Vanessa Chairez
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
I was inspired to go about because it truly is a once in a lifetime experience and we are only this young once, so why not take advantage of that. It ...
Bethel University Global Studies
My family has been my motivation and inspiration to go abroad. I come from a family where most of us are complacent with small, everyday life. My fami...
Kesa Ferguson
Academic Programs International
My brother was my primary inspiration to go abroad; seeing his transformative experience in China showed me how much a global perspective can change a...
Lia-Mara Bösch
StudyInBali
What inspired me to go abroad was partly a requirement of my university, as we have to either complete an internship or study abroad for one semester.
John Peterson
Instituto Hemingway
Going abroad was inspired by my desire to step outside my comfort zone and experience life from a different perspective. I wanted to improve my langua...
José Gonzalo Solís Baca
European Centre for Career Education
Traveling has always been a passion of mine, and the opportunity to experience other cultures deeply inspires me. Going abroad allows me to build genu...
Amal Azabova
European Centre for Career Education
Although I graduated some time ago and currently live in Prague, I felt a strong desire to return to a structured academic environment. I wanted to re...
Elise Monroe
Academic Programs Abroad (APA)
I was always determined to study abroad because of the stories my dad told me about his own time living overseas. He once spoke French fluently, and I...
Mikhail Mikhaylov
Learn Russian in the European Union
I wanted to deepen my understanding of the post-Soviet region through direct immersion, especially given my academic focus on conflict mediation. The ...
Makayla Ross
IES Abroad
Studying abroad was not a part of my original 4-year plan. I'd anticipate joining campus clubs, meeting new people and making lifelong friendships, an...
Grant Dockery
IES Abroad
This was not my first experience studying abroad. I have always loved traveling and experiencing new cultures (I'm a big foodie). I also adore languag...
Eddie Kaake
CES Maastricht
I had known from a young age that I wanted to study far from home, but due to the illness of one of my parents, I was afraid to make that jump. After ...
Jon Shepherd
Bethel University Global Studies
My first trip abroad was to Mexico when I was in college, studying Spanish. That experience changed everything for me; it brought the language to life...
Anika Freestone
Phezulu Pre-Vet
I’ve always wanted to go to Africa, or specifically South Africa, to experience and work with its wildlife since I was a little girl. I’ve wanted to e...
Janie Kilby
Forum-Nexus Study Abroad
All three of my older brothers participated in study abroad, and from their experiences and adventures, I discovered my inspiration to have similar ad...
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